CENTRAL CITY - At their regular meeting on March 25, 2025, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. concerning Resolution TUP 25-2, the Fjällräven Classic.

The popular outdoor trekking event will host 300 participants from July 21 to July 26 on a 30-mile route across the Continental Divide, starting and ending near Rollins Pass Road 149 and Jenny Creek Trailhead.

The event is designed as an educational and environmentally conscious experience, strictly adhering to “Leave No Trace” principles. 

Planner Rachel Vigil and Community Development Director Rob Gutierrez supported the event's alignment with Forest Service land usage. 

Event organizer Matt Szmanda noted that this year’s only major change is the expansion of campsite #2. The event will continue to cap participants at 150 per day to limit environmental impact.

Commissioner Susan Berumen thanked Szmanda for maintaining an organized operation, and Gutierrez appreciated the early submission of the permit application. 

Commissioner Jeff Aiken inquired about injuries, to which Szmanda replied that altitude sickness is the most common issue. Szmanda said any problems will be handled by an on-site Copper Mountain medical team. 

The board voted unanimously in favor of allowing the event to return for its fourth year, and the hearing closed at 9:43 a.m.

Pride Month Proclamation 

Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler presented a proclamation declaring June 2025 as Pride Month in Gilpin County. The document affirms the County’s commitment to equality and inclusion and recognizes the historic struggles and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals, including the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.

Central City Opera Lease for $10 approved

Resolution 25-064 authorized a parking lease agreement with the Central City Opera House Association. Commissioner Hollingsworth chuckled, noting the symbolic $10 annual fee.

Substance Abuse Block Grant renewed and extended

Resolution 25-066 approved continued funding through the Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment awarded Gilpin County $165,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026. The funding supports youth programs through the Parks and Recreation Department, including LifeSkills classes, teen programs, and licensed childcare.

Parking Lease for Light of the Mountain Fellowship

Parks and Recreation Director Gabrielle Chisholm presented Resolution 25-065 to secure a lease for 40 parking spots at the church for a community event. The lease is set at $10. Special Events Coordinator Krystal Meyer confirmed with the Highway Patrol that no crosswalk permit is needed if signage is adequate.

$605,000 Mental Health Grant awarded

Under Resolution 25-067, the board accepted a $605,000 grant over three years from the Colorado Office of the Attorney General for youth mental health and wellbeing. Chisholm presented the resolution.

Gilpin Joins Information Sharing Consortium

Resolution 25-068 approved Gilpin County's participation in the Colorado Information Sharing Consortium (CISC), which includes 120 law enforcement agencies. Deputy Chief Sean Wheeler said the daily-use system is expected to enhance vehicle theft investigations and more. Chair Hollingsworth expressed hope for immediate benefits.

County Manager’s Report

County Manager Ray Rears announced an in-person work session on June 5, 2025, at 9 a.m., to discuss conservation funding, transportation, emergency services, tax measures, and grants.

Rears also announced that Community Development Director Rob Gutierrez will resign effective June 5. The position is now posted online.

Rears reported a 0.7% decrease in gaming revenue over expenditures as of March 2025, though revenue is on pace to exceed the budget by $653,146. 

He also noted that approximately 20% of Gilpin residents use Medicaid and could be affected by recent changes. 

Rears informed the public that online meeting packets may appear shorter due to the need to comply with ADA regulations, but hard copies will remain available.

Adjournment and next meeting

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

The next regular BoCC meeting will be held on June 10, 2025, in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City. Virtual attendance is available via tinyurl.com/GilpinCommissioners.